May 2019
A Cross-Country Trail to Connect a Nation: The Great American Rail-Trail

Ryan Chao, president of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, presents his vision for the Great American Rail-Trail. Spanning more than 3,600 miles from Washington, D.C. to Washington State—and traveling through 12 states and the District of Columbia—this cross-country trail will ultimately serve more than 50 million people within 50 miles of the route, and is poised to become an iconic, American treasure.

Photos from the International Trails Symposium

American Trails hosted the 24th International Trails Symposium and Training Institute in Syracuse, New York April 28 - May 1, 2019.
American Trails Volunteer Portal

If y ou are in need of volunteers for your trail or project do n't forget you can list your organization and volunteer needs in our volunteer portal!
Advancing Trails Awards Winners

The Advancing Trails Awards Program recognizes the tremendous contributions of volunteers, professionals, and other leaders who are working to create an effective system of trails across the globe.
New T-Shirt Announcement

You can support American Trails when you order this new t-shirt design through Seek Dry Goods.
R esources and Training

FREE May Webinar: Improve Your Volunteer Stewardship Toolkit
In partnership with the Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, we are offering this webinar free to everyone (learning credits are a $15 fee) on May 30. Learn from three organizations about the tools and resources available to you that will help you start, expand or enhance your outdoor stewardship volunteer program, achieving your goals, and providing exceptional service to land managers.

Case Studies of Water Trail Impacts on Rural Communities
Water trail development causes economic and social impacts on rural communities. Chronicles of water trail communities convey values influencing the sustainability of paddle trail projects. Water trails are not a panacea for rural development, however, water trail development can help achieve goals of economic diversification and improved quality of life in communities. Paddle trails are an effective approach to rural economic development and recreational access while enhancing natural and cultural qualities of a community.

Multi-Use Trail Surface Study
The Equine Advisory Council conducted research and interviews throughout Connecticut to determine project cost and general installation, maintenance, environmental impacts, and suitability for multiple user groups for various surface materials.

American Trails website resources
Check out our volunteer portal for the latest available volunteer opportunities, and our training calendar for upcoming conferences and events.

Featured Trail Industry Manufacturer: das Manufacturing, Inc.
das Trail Markers are signage markers that can be permanently applied to concrete or asphalt with das adhesive. The markers are an unobtrusive yet highly visible method of placing information and features directly on a path or trail. Durable, fade resistant, low profile, and ADA compliant, they can be used as an alternative to conventional vertical signage clutter. Learn more about this company…
TRAILSNext ™ Talks
TRAILSNext ™ Series Presented by American Trails

In the style of TEDx, the TRAILSNext ™ Series brings you cutting edge information from leading experts in the trails world on today’s hottest trail topics. These h igh energy 18-minute presentations were recorded to be made available to folks who were unable to attend this year's International Trails Symposium.

Each month we will be featuring one of these talks in our eNews, and you can purchase the entire series on our website at this link .

This month we are sharing with you "Building a Trail Culture" by presenter Amy Camp.
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